(1) The following new book is on the market:
"Analysis by its History" by E. Hairer and G. Wanner
(Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics)
Springer-Verlag New York, ISBN 0-387-94551-2 (42.- $).

(2) Our codes RADAU5, RODAS, SEULEX have been updated:
new linear algebra options for problems of the form
y''=f(x,y,y') or B(y)y'=f(x,y) are included.
New code RADAUP: this is nonoptimized extension of RADAU5
to higher order Radau IIA methods (order 5, 9, and 13)
The codes are still available by anonymous ftp from
"ftp.unige.ch" ("129.194.17.1") in the directories
pub/doc/math/stiff pub/doc/math/nonstiff
pub/doc/math/mechanic
They are also available on Web:
http://www.unige.ch/math/
under the item "programmes informatiques"

(3) Our recent papers are available by anonymous ftp from
"ftp.unige.ch" in the directory pub/doc/math/papers
or on Web: http://www.unige.ch/math/
under the item "preprints"
The most recent one is "The lifespan of backward error analysis
for numerical integrators" by E. Hairer and Ch. Lubich.

Purpose:
To collect a significant number of challenging problems in Matrix Theory.

Deadlines:
All Challenges shall be submitted to the Challenges coordinator Frank Uhlig
by January 15, 1997.
If a sufficient number of Challenges is accepted by the Challenges advisory
panel, the editors-in-chief of Linear Algebra and its Applications (LAA)
have agreed to publish the Challenges in a special section in one of LAA's
early 1998 issues.
The n^{th} ILAS Conference at Auburn University in 2002 will feature all
significant solutions to Challenge problems as part of its program.

Format:
All Challenges should be between 2 and 5 pages in length with a detailed
account of the history, notations, references and an explanation of the
significance and envisioned uses of the proposed Challenge problem.

Detailed instructions and a description of this Project are available
electronically and shall also be published in volume 233 of Linear Algebra
and its Applictions in January 1996.

Electronic submission in TeX or LaTeX format is preferred. However,
for easy transportability of the files amongst the reviewers, we ask all
submitters to try and refrain from using extensive macros.

Electronis Access:
A more detailed description of the Challenges Project has been archived
(both in ASCII mode and as a Latex file) in the AUBURN.02 file of the
ILAS Information Center (IIC) :
Access using MOSAIC, XMOSAIC, NETSCAPE or LYNX :
http://math.technion.ac.il/iic
Anonymous FTP : ftp math.technion.ac.il (directory "iic")

It is well known that of all surfaces surrounding an area with a given
volume V, the sphere has the smallest area. This result explains, e.g.,
why a soap bubble tends to become a sphere. More than a hundred years
ago, the Belgian physicist J. Plateaux asked a similar question: what
is the least area surface enclosing two equal volumes? Physical
experiments with bubbles seem to indicate that the desired least area
surface is a "double bubble", a surface formed by two spheres
(separated by a flat disk) that meet along a circle at an angle of
120 degrees. However, until 1995, it was not clear whether this is really
the desired least area surface. Several other surfaces ("torus bubbles")
have been proposed whose areas are pretty close to the area of the double
bubble.

The theorem that double bubble really minimizes was recently proven by
Joel Hass from Department of Mathematics, University of California at
Davis (email hass@math.ucdavis.edu) and Roger Schlafly from the Real
Software Co. (rschlafly@attmail.com). First, they proved that the
desired surface is either a double bubble or a torus bubble, and then
used interval computations (as well as other ingenious numerical
techniques) to prove that for all possible values of parameters, the
area of the torus bubble exceeds the area of the double bubble
described above.

This result was mentioned in a popular magazine "Discover" as one of
the main scientific achievements of the year.

This application of interval mathematics not only provides a solution
to a long-standing mathematical problem; the authors also describe potential
practical applications, one of the them: to the design of the lightest
possible double fuel tanks for rockets.

The paper is not yet published. A preprint is available from the authors.

In 1993, the editorial board of the "Interval Computations" journal
(now called "Reliable Computing") announced that papers submitted for
the special student issue will be automatically entered into a
Best Student Paper contest. The prize for the student author of the
best paper is a free one-year subscription to the journal.

We have received about twenty papers; the referee reports and the reports
from the members of the editorial board of Reliable Computing served as
the basis for choosing the best paper. It was a very difficult decision
to make because we have received several excellent papers.

We are pleased to announce the results. The best student paper award
is awarded to the paper

The International Euroconference on Advanced Mathematical Tools in Metrology
took place at Lady Margaret Hall in history-laden Oxford University
September 27--30, 1995. The conference was sponsored by an international
committee including the British National Physical Laboratory and the Italian
Istituto di Metrologia "G. Colonnetti". It is the first in a Euroconference
series on AMTM, the next one being scheduled for 1996 in Berlin.
The chief organizer was Maurice Cox of NPL.

What is metrology? And why is it of interest to numerical analysts?
Metrology is measurement science; and as practitioners of metrology are aware,
the solution of problems that one commonly encounters in this area requires
the application of a wide array of mathematical and statistical tools. This
point was made incisively by Jeremy Du Croz of NAG Ltd., who in his talk
stated "Just about all mathematical and statistical software is relevant to
metrology."

The participants in the AMTM conference were engineers, physicists, chemists,
mathematicians, and computer specialists, coming from industry, universities
and metrology laboratories, united in their common interest in developing
and applying mathematical tools to the myriad problems that arise in the
field of metrology. To get a feel for the international flavor of the
conference, consider that among the around 70 participants, 16 countries
were represented. One speaker even came from New Zealand, half-way around
the globe.

The stated goals were to present and promote current applications of sound
mathematical modeling and analysis, statistics, numerical methods, and
software to metrology. Indeed, the talks covered a wide range of topics,
including measurement models, simulation and experimental design, industrial
aspects such as surface roughness, process diagnostics, and manufactured part
inspection; uncertainty estimation, instrument calibration, and available
software (a list of titles is attached below).

Among the mathematical approaches presented in the talks were total least
squares, bootstrapping applied to quality control, linearization via the small
displacement torsor, numerical methods for solving Cauchy singular equations,
wavelet transforms, tomographic reconstruction algorithms, and numerical
evaluation of infinite integrals via orthogonal polynomials, to name a few.

The conference began after lunch on Wednesday and the first day was devoted
to tutorials. Maurice Cox and Alistair Forbes of NPL discussed various aspects
of mathematical modeling in the solution of metrology problems, after which
Prof. E Arri of the Politecnico di Torino expounded on correct metrological
procedures for performing measurements. In particular, he stated that overall
uncertainty in measurements should be determined and expressed as recommended
in the new ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, a topic
that was further discussed at the Uncertainty Roundtable that ended the
conference on Saturday.

A highlight of the conference was the two-part tutorial given by Gene Golub of
Stanford on "The Singular Value Decomposition: Uses and Computation."
Actually, much of his second talk concerned how to avoid the calculation of an
SVD. The use of the SVD as a tool for solving and analyzing problems in
metrology was a recurrent theme in the presentations and the discussion that
followed them.

All of the talks were well attended and the interest of the audience was keen.
The weather throughout was remarkably good, with blue skies being the rule,
and Oxford and environs were beautiful. While the accommodations in Lady
Margaret Hall were somewhat Spartan, the food was good and plentiful.
Fortunately, the adjacent, lush University Park offered the opportunity for
pleasant post-prandial strolls. My only disappointment was that, despite the
numerous signs in Oxford announcing "Humped Zebra Crossing," I failed to see
any beasts even remotely resembling a striped dromedary.

Coincidentally, parallel to the conference the Museum of the History of
Science in Oxford was showing a special exhibition entitled "The Measurers,
a Flemish Image of Mathematics in the Sixteenth Century" (for a virtual
tour of this exhibition browse the URL http://www.ox.ac.uk/departments/hooke).

As is evident from the list of talks that follows, metrology can be a rich
source of new and interesting problems for researchers in numerical analysis
(as well as in other areas of mathematics). Furthermore, metrologists often
contribute new approaches to and insights into the solution of problems that
interest numerical analysts. Metrology as a field is becoming increasingly
important as a key component of quality manufacturing and is enjoying growing
support in many countries. Na-netters are encouraged to play an active role
in its further development.

The Schedule of Talks for the Special Session on Linear Algebra and
Scientific Computing which will be held on November 3-4 at Kent State
University as part of the AMS Fall Central Sectional Meeting is listed below.
Abstracts for these talks and additional information can be obtain
from http://www.mcs.kent.edu/ams1904/1904.html.

The bi-annual Symposium on Computer Aided Control System Design (CACSD)
will take place, under one meeting venue, jointly with the International
Symposium on Intelligent Control and the International Conference on
Control Applications. All three conferences emphasize
"Control of Automotive Systems" as a special theme.

TECHNICAL PROGRAM AND CALL FOR PAPERS:

The CACSD'96 Symposium is a forum for all timely aspects of CACSD.
However, due to the special emphasis theme, papers on all aspects of
CACSD linked to the system-dynamics and mechatronics engineering
development life cycle for automotive systems are invited.

The technical program of the Symposium will feature a plenary lecture,
technical sessions with contributed and invited papers, special sessions
and lectures (survey papers, case studies, benchmark sessions,
panel discussion sessions).

Papers are solicited for technical and special sessions which include,
but are not limited to:

January 1, 1996 ........ Contact the Program Chair for Invited Sessions
January 22, 1996 ........ All submissions and proposals to the Program Chair
May 1, 1996 ........ Notification of acceptance
June 17, 1996 ........ Camera-ready paper

I N T E R V A L '96
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
INTERVAL METHODS AND COMPUTER AIDED PROOFS
IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

SEP 30 - OCT 2, 1996
WUERZBURG, GERMANY

The conferences INTERVAL'XX are significant meetings devoted to
various aspects of reliable numerical computations based on the
interval approach. (Sometimes the terms validated numerics,
localizational computations, or enclosure methods are used). Talks are
devoted to development of corresponding mathematical structures,
design of computer tools, and applications in a wide range of areas.

INTERVAL'96 will focus on computer assisted proofs ranging from
symbolic computation through rigorous error estimation, and including
different paradigms such as functional and logic programming as well
as solution of constraint systems. The traditional interval approach
will appear as one important aspect common to most of the approaches.
Although papers may be restricted to one of these topics, we
especially encourage the submission of reports on combination of
several approaches.

The following topics will be considered: interval mathematics,
hardware and software for interval and computer-algebraic methods,
SC-languages, logic constraint programming, interval modelling,
interval constraints, computer aided proofs in analysis, interval
algorithms in control theory, organization of symbolic-numeric
interfaces, programming environments for scientific computing, and
applications in various fields of science and engineering as well as
commercial issues.

Two copies of an extended abstract of maximum 2 pages are requested
for selection purposes. The deadline will be May 1, 1996. Electronic
submission is strongly recommended. A LaTex format will be available
via WWW (see address below). A collection of extended abstracts will
be printed before the conference. Refereed proceedings including full
versions of selected papers will be published after the conference.

IF YOU WISH TO GET MORE DETAILED AND CURRENT INFORMATION, LOOK AT WWW:

The theme of the conference is the broad area of numerical analysis
and applied mathematics, but special emphasis will be put on the
following topics: approximation theory, matrix theory and scientific
computing. This one day conference is organized in honour of
Prof. Jean Meinguet of the Universite Catholique de Louvain, as an
acknowledgment of his leading role in these areas and in celebration
of his 65-th birthday.

There is no registration fee for the conference and the reception is
graciously offered by the Departement d'Ingenierie Mathematique (INMA).

For the banquet we request a booking before November 10. The banquet
fee is 950Bfr for a 3 course meal, wine included. You can transfer
this amount to the account mentioned on the registration form. After
November 10 the fee is raised to 1050Bfr. Late bookings are also
subject to approval by the restaurant and might be refused if too
numerous.

The conference will be held in room ``de La Vallee Poussin'', Cycl 01,
Batiment de Hemptinne, Chemin du Cyclotron, 2. Parking is available in
front of the building. For those coming from outside LLN we included a
map and travel directions. The reception will be held in the same
building.

The conference is organized by the Institut de Mathematique Pure et
Appliquee (MAPA), the Departement d'Ingenierie Mathematique (INMA),
and the Departement de Mathematique (MATH).

Within the framework of the joint research project 'real time optimization
of large systems' supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
the Lehrstuhl f"ur Proze"stechnik (process engineering) at Aachen univerity
of technology (RWTH) offers the position of a research assistent.

The main objective of our part of the project, which will be carried out in
close cooperation with the Institut f"ur Geometrie und Praktische Mathematik
(Prof. Dahmen) at RWTH, is the development of a new method for monitoring
chemical processes. This monitoring requires the cyclic estimation of the
plant states based on past measurements every few minutes. The method to be
developed is founded on a concept for optimization based real time estimation
and is to be tested with realistic industrial problems. The optimization
problem is formulated on a moving horizon in the past and is subject to the
restrictions given by the differential and algebraic equations of the plant
model.

Applicants should have background in the field of chemical engineering or
applied mathematics. The position is paid according to the BAT IIa salary
group and is to be filled as soon as possible. Applications are to be sent
to:

The University of Strathclyde in partnership with the Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has agreed to fund and thereby
establish the Centre for Applied and Industrial Mathematics in Scotland
(AIMS). The aims of AIMS are to

(i) further establish better links between industry and academia,
particularly in the numerate disciplines;
(ii) to encourage the greater use of mathematical modelling in
industry; and
(iii) to collaborate closely with the European Consortium for
Mathematics in Industry (ECMI) and ``act as its Scottish arm''.

Funding is available for a Coordinator.
The Coordinator's role will be to build up a network of industrial contacts
while becoming acquainted with the full range of mathematical expertise
residing in Scotland. (Also included are certain university
centres in Northern Ireland and Northern England.) He/she will hold open
meetings 2 to 3 times a year at which industrialists will air problems that
might be amenable to a mathematical treatment. These meetings will be open
to all academics. For problems that are confidential,
private half-day meetings will be held to focus on one specific
problem or problem area. Selected academics will be invited to attend.

While the Coordinator will have a free hand to deal with the day to day
activities, AIMS will be overseen by a Steering Committee currently
composed of the grant holders: Professor Sean McKee (Chairman), Professor
Frank Leslie, FRS and Professor David Sloan.

At present funding is available for 3 years but there is a possibility
that it could be made permanent.
Further details can be obtained from Professor McKee.

UNI-C, the Danish Computing Centre for Research and Education, provides
computer capacity and related systems and services for research, development
and education. In addition the centre's know-how and facilities are utilised
to provide services for other groups of customers.

UNI-C's objective is to provide products and services at a high international
level at the same time securing that the products and services are competitive
as regards quality and price.

UNI-C is a government organisation with divisions in Copenhagen, Lyngby (near
Copenhagen) and Aarhus. UNI-C has a staff of approximately 140 employees.

For a number of years UNI-C has been the centre of Danish activities within
the field of scientific computing in co-operation with a number of active
research environments in Danish universities.

UNI-C also aims at continuing participation in collaborative work nationally
as well as internationally. In connection with this UNI-C wishes to
participate in EU programmes as well as in Danish research programmes within
supercomputing and to enhance and strengthen the efforts in this field.

Therefore, UNI-C is looking for a director with extensive knowledge of the
needs of the research sector with regard to High Performance Computing and
Networking (HPCN) and of European activities within the field. The director
should have an international background and should have visions concerning
the future development facing Denmark and the rest of Europe as regards HPCN.

The director should also have administrative experience combined with knowledge
of European industry as well as knowledge of existing possibilities regarding
co-operation between the private and the public sector.

The successful applicant will be a member of UNI-C's management and will refer
to the managing director.

The appointment for this post is for a three year period - as a minimum - and
may be renewed. The salary is in accordance with the rules applicable to
public servants (in Danish terms classified as grade 38). There is a
possibility of a bonus subject to the rules governing the application of the
special wages pool for executives at UNI-C.

In case of a three year contract further bonus possibilities and individual
pension terms may be agreed.

The appointment comprises the Danish Ministry of Education including all
institutions belonging to the Ministry. The location of work is UNI-C,
Lyngby (near Copenhagen).

Applications should be addressed to The Queen and sent to UNI-C, att.:
Prof. Dorte Olesen, Managing Director, Vermundsgade 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen O,
Denmark, to be received no later than December 8, 1995 at 12 o'clock.

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Kentucky invites
applications for at least one tenure-track assistant professorship to
begin in the Fall 1996. In case of exceptional candidates, senior
appointments would be considered. In particular, we are interested in
applicants in the areas of numerical analysis, combinatorics/combinatorial
optimization, and algebra. However, applications in other areas are also
welcome. We encourage applications from women and minority groups. Using
the application cover sheet available from the AMS (if possible),
applicants should submit a vita, a description of current research and
future plans, evidence of effective teaching, and arrange to have at
least three letters of recommendation sent to:
Chair of the Recruiting Committee, Department of Mathematics, 715 POT,
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506. We expect to begin
evaluating applications December 1, 1995.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences invites applications for a
tenure/tenure track position in applied mathematics to begin September
1, 1996. Candidates will be considered at all levels up to entry
level full professor but strong preference will be given those with an
established record both in publication and funded research. Extensive
computational experience in the areas of wave propagation, fluid
dynamics, and/or inverse problems as well as experience and interest
in establishing links with industry and other academic disciplines
will weigh heavily in the candidate's favor. Evidence of effective
teaching is essential. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae
(including funding history), reprints and/or preprints and arrange to
have 3 letters of recommendation sent to:

Northwestern University
Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics

The department invites applications for a tenure-track position
in applied mathematics at the level of assistant professor, to
begin in September 1996. Requirements include a PhD and
demonstrated research ability in an area compatible with the
interests of the department. Duties involve teaching and
research.

To ensure full consideration, applicants should send a
curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and at
least three letters of recommendation before February 1, 1996,
to: Michael J. Miksis, Search Committee Chair, Department of
Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern
University, Evanston, IL 60208-3125.

Northwestern is an affirmative action/equal opportunity
employer. Applications from women and minorities are especially
welcomed. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the
U.S.

Colorado School of Mines
Faculty Position in Mathematical and Computer Sciences

The Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences invites
applications for an anticipated position in Applied Statistics at
the Associate Professor level commencing with the 1996 fall
semester. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Applied Statistics
or a related field; excellence in teaching and research is
essential. Duties include coordinating the teaching of
statistics, consulting activities with various members of the
campus research community, and developing an outreach program to
local business and industry. Evidence of interest or successful
involvement in interdisciplinary collaborative research projects
is desirable.

Applicants should send a curriculum vitae and a statement
describing teaching experience and philosophy and research
interests and aspirations and four letters of reference, at least
one of which addresses teaching ability, to: Colorado School of
Mines, Office of Human Resources, Applied Statistics Search 95-
081400, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado 80401-1887. Fax:
(303) 273-3278. Applications will be considered beginning
January 15, 1996, and thereafter until the position is filled.

Colorado School of Mines is an equal employment
opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities
are encouraged to apply.

Anticipated assistant professorship with a specialization in numerical
partial differential equations. The successful candidate should have
a strong numerical component as well as theoretical background in
partial differential equations. Ph.D. or equivalent and strong potential
in research and teaching required. Application (vita), transcripts,
three letters of reference, and a description of research program should
be sent to: Numerical PDE Position, c/o Professor William D. Blair, Chair,
Department of Mathematical Sciences, Northern Illinois University,
DeKalb, IL 60115 by January 31, 1996. NIU is an Equal Employment
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and recognizes dual career issues.

Applications are invited for one tenure-track position in
computational mathematics at the assistant professor level starting
in August 1996. The Mathematics Department at the College of
Charleston has 25 full-time faculty and offers the B.S. and M.S.
degrees in mathematics. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in an area of
computational mathematics, a commitment to graduate and undergraduate
teaching, and potential for continuing research. The normal teaching
load is 9 hours per week for those engaged in research. The salary is
competitive. Faculty from the College of Charleston will be available
to meet with applicants at the AMS/MAA Annual Meeting in Orlando. All
applicants should send a vita and have three letters of
recommendation sent to William Golightly, Chair, Department of
Mathematics, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424. e-mail:
golightlyw@cofc.edu. The process of evaluating applications will
begin on January 15, 1996, but applications will be considered until
the position is filled. The College of Charleston is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications
from minority and women candidates. For more information on the
College of Charleston and its Mathematics Dept, see
http://math.cofc.edu:8080/